Autel im508/im608 now requires network for any key programming. Do you like that?

[ranchero]

Recently I bought another Autel im508 (as you all know, there's no perfect programmer therefore few of them needed, even these programmers which you don't really like).
Quickly I found out that after latest update this tool simply sucks.

I just had conversation with Autel tech support and they confirmed that after latest updates network needed for any key programming. They also confirmed that they had huge response from Locksmiths telling this is not right decision (no surprise hah?). They also told that they are forwarding this information to the head office in hope that Autel will reverse their decision.

I guess we can help them a little to make right decision.

I just sent following letter to the Head quarters and to the US office:


Dear Sir/Madam.
I am writing to express my serious concerns about the latest update for Autel im508/im608 key programmers which now requires a network for any key programming.
Tech support told me it was for security reasons and I understand that.
But it also reduces the usability of these tools for Locksmiths (which is what they are designed for) to near zero. As a Locksmith, I focus on helping people in difficult situations when they lose their car keys in places where often there is no mobile connection (underground parking, far in the forest, etc.). In these situations, I will no longer be able to use my im508. So you are forcing me to sell my im508 and buy another key programmer that does not require a network.
Please consider reversing your decision to make your tool usable by Locksmiths around the world again.
I'm the owner of Facebook group which created for Locksmiths allover the World. There are currently over 2000 members in the group.
I'm posting my concern in my group as well, and I see that many people support my point of view.
I hope my opinion will help you to create better tool, more suitable for us, Locksmiths.
Best wishes,

[godfathertre]

This is bad news if so will affect any users of the 508 or 608 i have heard also avdi are changing their software online only the problem is mobile work if you do not have a good hotpot or good wifi you will have problem one thing to do do not update machine if you only do old cars or pay theyr subscription price every year need carefully buy offline machine with software built in if still available in future otherwise is going to be a expensive ride ahead for a lot of people.

[Spiritech]

Looks to be USA only at the moment, I updated yesterday and did key learning on 2 cars offline with my IM608 today. Still not a good sign for the product.

[fred77]

Silly manufacturer

Guess to enforce subscription and stop cloning. Can't they do a 30 day countdown

[ranchero]

Not just USA, whole North America (for now). Nothing can be done at this point, I had conversation with head office. They don't really care what we, Locksmith guys, do think or need.
I'm lucky to have old im508 with subscription expired 2 years ago. I guess its price just skyrocketed as it's simply irreplaceable now.

Last message from head office tells whole story:

"Dear,
Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thanks for choosing Autel products! With best regards,
Chuck Cai/ Global Tech Support"

Reminds me - "Your call is very important for us. Please continue to hold".

[rapidlocksmiths]

is it because big brother wants to know whos working on what car in countries this affects ? and just autel demanding this ?

usa tends to get better access to codes and dealer data than the rest of the world forcing manufacturers to release the data , could this be demanded by the powers that be for this access using autel rather than an autel decision ?

if not and its an autel directive , then they will test there before rolling it out everywhere , i guess only autel knows the truth .

[ray-ray]

Autel and the KH100 was the beginning of there problems, with online purchase to anyone. Tool is being used to steal cars FBI is investigating and making changes.

[rapidlocksmiths]

Autel and the KH100 was the beginning of there problems, with online purchase to anyone. Tool is being used to steal cars FBI is investigating and making changes.

so KH100 , mass sales to anyone and their greed caused this issue

[godfathertre]

Story repeats itself like UCO TOOL .

[camelgd]

Also gives them an excuse to obsolete 508/608 and trot out "All new tool". Just turned 70 a while back, don't know how many new tools I want to buy, especially from Autel.

[ray-ray]

Here is the news why… correction KM100

[p1et]

You mean KM100? KH100 is Lonsdor product